West Midlands Trains, photo

West Midlands Trains, photo   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

There was an upbeat mood on the RMT picket line at Worcester Shrub Hill in the continuing dispute with West Midlands Trains over retaining the safety-critical role of train guards.

This was the third Saturday strike day of six planned and support is solid. Pickets are on a rota system so the load is spread.

Socialist Party members attended to show solidarity with the strikers and there was also support and greetings from the Fire Brigades Union, recently in dispute, and Worcester Trade Union Council.

We were told that RMT has made proposals to reach a deal which are in the hands of the employers lawyers. The RMT members know that there are few better jobs to go to if they lose this fight. Also, it seems the number of ASLEF (train drivers) union members declining to cross picket lines is growing.

Four copies of the Socialist were bought, including one at the solidarity price.

Worcester SP members